Antistatic medication delivery apparatus

ABSTRACT

An aerosol medication delivery apparatus include a holding chamber having an input end and an output end and defining an interior space. In one embodiment, the holding chamber is antistatic and is made of a plastic material having a surface resistivity of between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq. In another embodiment, a component, such as a backpiece or mouthpiece, separate from the holding chamber, is antistatic and is made of a material having a surface resistivity of between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq. The component is connected to the holding chamber, which may or may not be antistatic. In one embodiment, the component is made of an elastomeric material. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the holding chamber and/or component is see-through. Various methods for introducing an aerosol into the holding chamber at the input end thereof and inhaling the aerosol through the output end are also provided.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/463,288, filed Apr. 16, 2003, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a medication delivery apparatus, and inparticular, to an antistatic medication delivery apparatus.

Medication delivery systems are used, in general, to administermedication to a user. For example, aerosol delivery systems areconfigured to deliver a medication in aerosol form to the lungs of theuser. Other systems deliver the medication to the nasal passageways ofthe user. Some systems use a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI),which typically includes a container in which medication particles arestored under pressure, and an actuator used to dispense the medicationfrom the container.

In other systems, a holding chamber or spacer is connected to one of thecontainer or actuator, as shown for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,279,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The holding chamberreduces the need for the user to coordinate activation of the pMDIcanister with inhalation, helps reduce the delivery of nonrespirablemedication particles from the canister, and helps reduce the impactionof medication particles in the user's oropharnyx and upper airway. Insome configurations, shown for example in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,279and U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,718, the apparatus can be provided with one orboth of an inhalation and exhalation valve(s) at an output end of thechamber. The output end is typically configured with a mouthpiece, whichis received in the mouth of the user, or with a mask, which is placedover the mouth and nose of the user.

Often, holding chamber devices are made of various plastics, such aspolypropylene or polycarbonates. However, plastic materials typicallyhave relative high surface resistivities, typically greater than 10E12ohm/sq. As such, the interior of the chamber can becomeelectrostatically charged, thereby causing some of the medicationparticles in the aerosol to deposit on the walls and/or other partsattached to or forming part of the holding chamber. As disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,435,176, for example, one solution to this problem is toprovide a spacer made of metal or other materials having resistivitiesbelow 10E9 ohm. However, metal spacers or holding chambers, made forexample of stainless steel or aluminum, are relatively expensive tomanufacture and are heavy and more difficult to handle. In addition,metal spacers or holding chambers do not allow the user or caregiver tovisualize the delivery of medication from the chamber. Likewise, manyplastics, if formed with antistatic additives, such as metal fibers, arenot see-through and can obstruct a view of the interior of the chamber.In addition, plastic components having an antistatic surface coating cantend to degrade and lose their antistatic properties over time, e.g.,within about a year.

Another solution is to periodically wash a plastic holding chamber witha detergent. However, such a solution can be cumbersome. Accordingly,the need remains for an improved holding chamber made of plastic,preferably clear, having inherent substantially permanent antistaticproperties.

SUMMARY

By way of introduction, various preferred embodiments of an aerosolmedication delivery apparatus include a holding chamber having an inputend and an output end and defining an interior space. In one embodiment,the holding chamber is antistatic and is made of a plastic materialhaving a surface resistivity of less than about 10E12 ohm/sq, andpreferably between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq. In one preferredembodiment, at least a portion of the holding chamber is see-through. Inaddition, the antistatic properties are substantially permanent.

In another embodiment, a component, separate from the holding chamber,is antistatic and is made of a material having a surface resistivity ofbetween about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq. The component is connected,directly or indirectly, to the holding chamber, which may or may not beantistatic. In one preferred embodiment, the component is a backpiececonnected to an input end of the holding chamber. In one embodiment, thebackpiece is made of an elastomeric material. In another embodiment, thecomponent includes a mouthpiece connected to the output end of theholding chamber.

In other aspects, various methods are provided that include introducingan aerosol into the holding chamber at the input end thereof andinhaling the aerosol through the output end.

The various embodiments provide significant advantages over otherholding chamber devices. For example, both the holding chamber andcomponent, such as the backpiece, can be made of various plastic and/orelastomeric materials, which are relatively light weight and inexpensiveto manufacture. At the same time, one or more of the holding chamber andcomponents can be made antistatic, such that the medication particles inthe aerosol are less likely to be attracted to the interior surface ofthe holding chamber or components, thereby providing improvedconsistency in the amount of medication delivered to the patient withoutpretreating the delivery apparatus. In addition, the plastic materialcan be made see-through, such that the user or caretaker can monitor andvisualize the interior of the holding chamber and/or component.Moreover, the antistatic properties are substantially permanent, suchthat they do not degrade over time.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of generalintroduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the followingclaims. The presently preferred embodiments, together with furtheradvantages, will be best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an aerosolmedication delivery system.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol medicationdelivery system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of aholding chamber.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of amedication delivery system.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of amedication delivery system.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of amedication delivery system.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of amedication delivery system.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of amedication delivery system.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of amedication delivery system.

FIG. 10 is a partial side view of an output end of an alternativeembodiment of a holding chamber.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dry powder inhaler.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a dry powderinhaler.

FIG. 13 is an end view of the dry powder inhaler shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa dry powder inhaler.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the dry powder inhaler shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a nasal inhaler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, one preferred embodiment of an aerosolmedication delivery system 50 includes a pressurized metered doseinhaler (pMDI) holding portion 2, or dispenser (sometimes referred to asan actuator boot), coupled to a chamber housing 4, otherwise referred toas a holding chamber, at an input end 6 thereof. A medication container8, for example a pMDI canister, is disposed in a cavity 12 formed in thedispenser, with a stem of the canister being inserted into a well 10formed in the bottom of the dispenser. Preferably, the dispenser 2 ispivotally connected to the chamber housing 4 so that the dispenser 2 canbe pivoted and translated for storage inside the chamber housing whenthe device is not in use. The term “medication” or “medicament” andvariations thereof as used herein means any substance used in therapy,for example in the treatment of asthma.

In various alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7-9, theapparatus includes a backpiece 22 secured to a holding chamber 20, 90 atan input end 52, 94 thereof. The backpiece 22, which is preferablyformed as a separate component from the holding chamber, includes anopening 24 shaped to receive a mouthpiece portion 54 of a separate pMDIdispenser 156, which holds the container 8. Various configurations ofchamber housings and dispensers are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,293,279,5,012,803 and 5,012,804, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that a holdingchamber can also be used in conjunction with medication deliverycontainers other than a pMDI container, including for example andwithout limitation nasal sprayers, dry powder inhalers and nebulizersystems.

In yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus includes aholding chamber 70 that can be introduced into the inspiratory flow pathof a ventilator circuit 302. The apparatus includes a backpiece member72, configured with a pMDI receptacle 76, which is connected to theinput end 79 of the holding chamber. The receptacle 76 is configured asa cylindrical housing shaped to receive the pMDI container and includesa well 10 formed at the bottom of the receptacle shaped to receive apMDI valve stem 78. A discharge opening 80 is formed in the receptacleand communicates with the well 10, thereby allowing the aerosol, andmedication, to be introduced into an interior 32 of the holding chamberthrough the backpiece 72 and input end 74 of the holding chamber.

In all of the embodiments, the chamber housing 4, 20, 70 defines aninterior space 19, 56, 82 and further includes an output end 14, 58, 84,94, through which the medication is dispensed to the user. The holdingchamber 20 can have a substantially circular cross section as shown forexample in FIG. 7, or the holding chamber 4 can have other shapes, forexample a substantially oval cross-section as shown in FIG. 1 or anelliptical or rectangular cross-section (not shown). In addition, theholding chamber 20 can have a substantially constant cross-section, forexample forming a cylinder as shown in FIG. 7, or the holding chamber 20can be tapered, such that the cross-sectional area gradually increasesfrom the input end 92 to the output end 94 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, ordecreases along the same path (not shown).

As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 and 6-8, the output end 14, 58,84, 94 includes a downstream portion 23 that is configured with amouthpiece 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. The mouthpiece 102, 106, 108, 110can be formed as a separate component that is releasably secured to amain housing 21 with one or more fastening elements 25, 27, as shown forexample in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-8. For example, the fastening elements canbe configured as tabs 25 and recesses 24 in one preferred embodiment,which provides a snap-fit between the main housing 21 and the downstreamportion 23. As shown in FIG. 3, the mouthpiece 104 can alternatively beformed integrally with the housing.

The term “component” as used herein means any part, member, device, orfeature that forms part of the medication delivery apparatus, andincludes without limitation, the chamber housing, the backpiece, themouthpiece, the output end, various adapters, baffle members, actuators,valve assemblies, tubes or conduits, masks, and the like, and portionsthereof, which are incorporated into the system. The terms “connected”and “secured,” and variations thereof, as used herein, means that one ormore members are associated or coupled to each other, either directly orindirectly (for example with intervening members).

In one alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, an adapter 30 includesan input end 32 configured as an insert portion that is fitted in anopening formed in an output end 64 of a chamber housing 66. Conversely,the input end 32 can be fitted over or around an end portion of thechamber housing. In one embodiment, the adapter includes a narroworifice, as disclosed for example in U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/377,528, filed May 3, 2002 and entitled “Aerosol MedicationDelivery Apparatus With Narrow Orifice,” the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference. The adapter further includesan output end 34 that, in one preferred embodiment, is shaped to bereceived in the mouth of the user. For example, the output end 34 canhave an outer circular cross-section, or it can be elliptical, oval,obround or any other shaped suitable for insertion into the mouth of theuser. Alternatively, an additional mouthpiece (not shown) can be fittedin or around the output end.

In yet another alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, a mask 160 isfitted in or around, i.e. a connector member 300, secured to the outputend of the holding chamber. The mask 160 is shaped to be disposed overthe face, preferably including the mouth and nose, of the user. In yetanother alternative embodiment, a nasal applicator (not shown), providedfor example with prongs, can be fitted into or around the output end. Inyet another embodiment, a patient interface element, such as anendotracheal tube, can be fitted to one or more of the output end of theholding chamber or adapter.

In all of the embodiments, shown for example in FIGS. 1-9, the outputend 14, 58, 84, 94 of the holding chamber 4, 20, 70, 90 can beconfigured with a baffle member 200. The baffle member 200 is preferablycurved, and can have one or more concave or convex surfaces facingtoward and away from the input end of the holding chamber. Of course, itshould be understood that the baffle member 200 can be flat, or haveother non-curved shapes. In addition, it should be understood that theapparatus can be configured without a baffle formed at the output end ofthe holding chamber.

As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the output end of the holding chamber can beconfigured with one or both of an inhalation and exhalation valve 220.In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the valve 220 includes a centralopen area 224 having a peripheral edge portion 226 that seats on a valveseat formed on a center baffle portion 228 of the baffle member 200. Thevalve is displaced from the seat during inhalation. An outer peripheralportion 230 of the valve is seated on a second valve seat and isdisplaced therefrom during exhalation. Of course, it should beunderstood that other valve configurations, such as a duckbill valve,can also be used.

The valve member 220 is preferably made of a flexible material,including for example and without limitation a silicone, a thermoplasticelastomer, rubber, Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer (EPDM) orBerfluodelaastomers (FFKN).

Preferably, the adapter 30 and the chamber housing 4, 20, 70, 90 aremade of a hard antistatic plastic, for example by injection molding.Typically, plastics have a surface resistivity of greater than 10E12ohm/sq. Antistatic materials have a surface resistivity of between about10E10 ohm/sq and about 10E 12 ohm/sq. Static dissipative materials havea surface resistivity of between about 10E6 ohm/sq. and about 10E12ohm/sq. Conductive materials have a surface resistivity of between about10E1 ohm/sq and about 10E6 ohm/sq. Metals typically have a surfaceresistivity of between about 10E−1 to about 10E−5 ohm/sq. Surfaceresistivity as set forth herein is measured pursuant to ASTM test D257.

In various embodiments, the chamber housing 4, 20, 70, 90, adapter 30,mouthpiece 102, 106, 108, 110, and/or backpiece 22, 72 are made of oneor more of a polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, nylon, ABS, highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), acetal, PBT, PETG, various thermoplasticelastomers, and/or combinations thereof. For example, the components canbe made of various PermaStat® compounds available from the RTP Company,having a place of business at 580 East Front Street, Winona, Minn.,55987. Of course, it should be understood that materials other thanPermaStat® compounds are suitable. In any event, the materialspreferably have a surface resistivity of less than about 10E12 ohm/sq,more preferably between about 10E1 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, morepreferably between about 10E6 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, more preferablybetween about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, and most preferably betweenabout 10E10 and about 10E11 ohm/sq.

In various exemplary embodiments, and without limitation, the chamberhousing 4, 20, 70, 90, adapter 30, mouthpiece 102, 106, 108, 110, andbackpiece 22, 72 can be made from one or more of a PermaStat® 100 seriespolypropylene material, a PermaStat® 200 series Nylon (PA6, PA6/6 orP12) material, a PermaStat® 300 series polycarbonate material, aPermaStat® 400 series polystyrene (PS) material, a PermaStat® 600 seriesAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material, a PermaStat® 700 serieshigh density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a PermaStat® 800 seriesAcetal (POM) material, a PermaStat® 1000 series polybutyleneTerephthalate (PBT) material, a PermaStat® 1100 series polyethyleneTerephthalate Glycol modified (PETG) material, a PermaStat® 1200 seriespolyurethane thermoplastic elastomer material, a PermaStat® 1500 seriespolyester thermoplastic elastomer, a PermaStat® 1800 series acrylic(PMMA) material, a PermaStat® 2500 series polycarbonate/ABS alloymaterial, a PermaStat® 2700 series Styrenic thermoplastic elastomer(TES) material, a PermaStat® 2800 series Olefinic thermoplasticelastomer (TEO) materials, or a PermaStat® 4700 series polytrimethyleneTerephthalate (PTT) material, all being permanently anti-static andhaving a surface resistivity between about 10E10 and about 10E11 ohms/sqwith electrical shock discharge (ESD) protection. PermaStat® compoundsare colorable and retain the transparency of the host resin. Suchcompounds are further free of carbon black, and are non-sloughing,meaning they do not release conductive contaminants. The compounds arefurther formulated to meet MIL-PRF-81705D static decay requirements.Since the compound is compounded into the molded material, the componentis more robust and can function in all humidity levels. The term“plastic” as used herein includes thermoplastic elastomer materials.

Preferably, the chamber housing 4, 20, 70, mouthpiece 102, 106, 108, 110and adapter 30 are made of an RTP 199 X 95281 S Nat/Clear, availablefrom the RTP Company. Another suitable material is the RTP 199 X 95281 UNat/Clear material, which is a high temperature material, also availablefrom RTP Company.

Preferably, the backpiece 22, 72 is made of one or more of theelastomeric materials, or other elastomers available from RTP, includingfor example the RTP 1200 series Polyurethane elastomers, the 1500 seriescopolyester elastomers, the 2700 series styrenic elastomers and/or the2800 series olefinic elastomers. It should be understood that thebackpiece 22, 72 also can be made of non-elastomeric materials. Inaddition, it should be understood that the holding chamber 4, 20, 70,90, and various components, including without limitation, the adapter,mouthpiece and backpiece can be made of materials that are notantistatic, having for example surface resitivities of greater than10E12 ohm/sq. Therefore, for example, the delivery apparatus may beconfigured with only the holding chamber 4, 20, 70, 90 being antistatic,only one or more of the various components being antistatic, such as thebackpiece, mouthpiece and/or adapter but not the holding chamber, or allof the components including the holding chamber being antistatic.

Preferably, the antistatic material is substantially clear, such that atleast a portion of the various components, including without limitationthe holding chamber, backpiece, mouthpiece and adapters, are see-throughsuch that the user can monitor the interior of the delivery apparatus.In this way, the term “clear” simply means see-through, and includesmaterials that are completely transparent, as well as materials that areopaque or shaded, so long as an object is visible on the other side ofthe material. For example, by providing one or more see-throughcomponents, various visual flow indicators can be seen. Such visualindicators are shown for example in U.S. Provisional Application60/382,227, filed May 21, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference. In addition, the antistatic propertiesassociated with various afore-described materials are substantiallypermanent, and will not dissipate over time.

In other embodiments, the holding chamber 4, 20, 70, 90, and othercomponents, including for example and without limitation the adapter 30,mouthpiece 102, 106, 108, 110 and backpiece 22, 72, are made of variousthermoplastics using various levels of additives, including withoutlimitation, stainless steel fibers, carbon fibers and carbon powder. Itshould be understood that an antistatic coating also can be applied tothe chamber housing and components, such as the adapter, mouthpiece andbackpiece to achieve the desired resistivities.

In operation, the user actuates the dispenser 2, 156 or other device, soas to discharge a medication, preferably in aerosol form, through theinput end 6, 52, 74 and introduce the medication into the interior space19, 56, 82 of the holding chamber 4, 20, 70, 90, or chamber housing. Themedication is thereafter delivered to the user, for example byinhalation through the output end 14, 58, 84 of the holding chamber, byway of one or more of a mouthpiece, mask or endotracheal tube. Theantistatic properties of the holding chamber and backpiece reduce thelikelihood that the medication particles will be attracted thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 10-15, exemplary powder medication delivery systems,or dry powder inhalers 400 are shown. Each inhaler 400 includes aholding chamber 402 and a mouthpiece 408. The inhaler shown in FIGS. 14and 15, further includes a visual flow indicator 412 mounted within aviewing port area 410. The flow indicator moves within the port area toprovide a visual cue to the patient or caretaker that the inhalationflow is adequate to properly administer the medication to the patient.Various aspects of the inhaler are further disclosed and shown in U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/382,227, filed May 21, 2002,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

Referring to the inhaler in FIGS. 11-13, the inhaler 400 includes aholding chamber 402 and a mouthpiece 408, which can be separate from(FIG. 11) or integral with (FIGS. 12-13) the holding chamber. Theinhaler further includes a medicament holding cassette 414, which has aplurality of holding portions 416 that hold a plurality of dose ofmedication, each of which can be subsequently exposed to the interior ofthe holding chamber. One or more air entry passageways 418 are directedat the holding portions 416 and fluidize the medication within theholding chamber, wherein it can be subsequently inhaled through themouthpiece. Various aspects of the inhaler are further disclosed andshown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,239, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

It should be understood that any or all of the various components of theinhalers 400, including the holding chambers 402, mouthpieces 408, airintake passageways 418, cassettes 414, and/or holding portions 416, canbe made of one or more of the various antistatic materials describedherein.

Various nasal inhalers 500, an example of which is shown in FIG. 16, mayalso include one or more of a holding chamber 502 having an input end510 and an output end formed as an outlet 506, an actuator (not shown)and an adapter 504, one or more of which may be made of the variousantistatic materials described herein. One or more inlet valves 508 maybe provided in the holding chamber 502. Various exemplary nasal inhalersand applicators are disclosed for example in U.S. patent application No.09/834,037, filed Apr. 11, 2001, and U.S. patent application No.10/121,931, filed Apr. 12, 2002, the entire disclosures of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoingdetailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limitingand that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof,which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

1. A medication delivery apparatus comprising: an antistatic holdingchamber comprising a plastic material having a surface resistivity ofbetween about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said plastic material comprises a polypropylene material.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said holding chamber has an input end andan output end, and further comprising a backpiece separate from saidholding chamber and comprising an elastomeric material having a surfaceresistivity of between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, wherein saidbackpiece is connected to said input end of said holding chamber.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3 wherein said backpiece comprises an opening formedtherethrough, said opening shaped and adapted to receive a portion of apressurized metered does inhaler.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid material comprises a PermaStat® material.
 6. The apparatus of claim1 wherein said material is selected from the group consisting ofpolypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, nylon, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene, high density polyethylene, acetal, polybutyleneterephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate glycol.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said holding chamber issee-through.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said surfaceresistivity of said plastic material is between about 10E10 and about10E11 ohm/sq.
 9. A medication delivery apparatus comprising: a holdingchamber; and a component separate from said holding chamber andcomprising a material having a surface resistivity of between about10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, wherein said component is connected tosaid holding chamber.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein saidcomponent comprises a mouthpiece connected to an output end of saidholding chamber.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said componentcomprises a backpiece connected to an input end of said holding chamber.12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said backpiece comprises anelastomeric material.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said holdingchamber comprises a plastic material.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13wherein said plastic material has a surface resistivity greater thanabout 10E12 ohm/sq.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said plasticmaterial has a surface resistivity of between about 10E10 and about10E11 ohm/sq.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said plasticmaterial comprises a polypropylene material.
 17. The apparatus of claim11 wherein said backpiece comprises an opening formed therethrough, saidopening shaped and adapted to receive a portion of a pressurized metereddose inhaler.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said materialcomprises a PermaStat® material.
 19. The apparatus of claim 11 whereinsaid material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer material.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 9 wherein said material is selected from the groupconsisting of a polyurethane elastomer, polyester elastomer, styrenicelastomer and olefinic elastomer.
 21. The apparatus of claim 9 whereinat least a portion of said component is see-through.
 22. A method ofdelivering an aerosol medication comprising: providing an antistaticholding chamber comprising a plastic material having a surfaceresistivity of between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, said holdingchamber comprising an input end and an output end; introducing saidaerosol medication into said holding chamber through said input end; andinhaling said aerosol medication through said output end.
 23. The methodof claim 22 wherein said plastic material comprises a polypropylenematerial.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein said surface resistivity ofsaid plastic material is between about 10E10 and about 10E11 ohm/sq. 25.The method of claim 22 further comprising providing a backpiece separatefrom said holding chamber and connected to said input end of saidholding chamber, said backpiece having an opening therethrough andcomprising an elastomeric material having a surface resistivity ofbetween about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, and wherein said introducingsaid aerosol medication into said holding chamber through said input endcomprises introducing said aerosol medication into said holding chamberthrough said opening in said backpiece.
 26. The method of claim 25further comprising providing a pressurized metered dose inhaler having aportion inserted into said opening in said backpiece, and wherein saidintroducing said aerosol into said holding chamber further comprisesactuating said pressurized metered dose inhaler.
 27. The method of claim22 wherein said plastic material comprises a PermaStat® material. 28.The method of claim 22 at least a portion of said holding chamber issee-through.
 29. A method of delivering a medication comprising:providing an antistatic holding chamber; and a component separate fromsaid holding chamber and comprising a material having a surfaceresistivity of between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, wherein saidcomponent is connected to said holding chamber; introducing saidmedication into said holding chamber; and delivering said medicationfrom said holding chamber to a user; wherein at least one of saidintroducing said medication into said holding chamber and saiddelivering said medication from said holding chamber comprises exposingsaid medication to a surface of said component.
 30. The method of claim29 wherein said surface resistivity of said material is between about10E10 and about 10E11 ohm/sq.
 31. The method of claim 29 wherein saidcomponent comprises a mouthpiece.
 32. The method of claim 29 whereinsaid component comprises a backpiece.
 33. The method of claim 32 whereinsaid backpiece comprises an elastomeric material.
 34. The method ofclaim 29 wherein said holding chamber comprises a plastic material. 35.The method of claim 34 wherein said plastic material has a surfaceresistivity greater than about 10E12 ohm/sq.
 36. The method of claim 34wherein said plastic material has a surface resistivity of between about10E10 and about 10E11 ohm/sq.
 37. The method of claim 34 wherein saidplastic material comprises a polypropylene material.
 38. The method ofclaim 32 wherein said backpiece comprises an opening formedtherethrough, and further comprising providing a pressurized metereddose inhaler having a portion inserted into said opening in saidbackpiece, and wherein said introducing said medication into saidholding chamber further comprises actuating said pressurized metereddose inhaler.
 39. The method of claim 29 wherein said material comprisesa PermaStat® material.
 40. The method of claim 29 wherein said materialcomprises a thermoplastic elastomer material.
 41. A medication deliveryapparatus comprising: an antistatic component comprising a see-throughmaterial having a surface resistivity of less than about 10E12 ohm/sq.42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said component comprises a holdingchamber.
 43. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said surface resistivityis between about 10E6 and 10E12 ohm/sq.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43wherein said surface resistivity is between about 10E10 and 10E12ohm/sq.
 45. A medication delivery apparatus comprising: an antistaticcomponent comprising means for providing a surface resistivity ofbetween about 10E10 and 10E12 ohm/sq.
 46. The medication deliveryapparatus of claim 45 wherein said antistatic component is selected fromthe group consisting of a holding chamber, a mouthpiece and a backpiece.